Aaron Odland, SITES AP

We are excited to announce that Aaron Odland, project manager at dwg., has successfully achieved the SITES AP credential.

The SITES program was developed through a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort of the American Society of Landscape Architects, The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, and the United States Botanic Garden.

SITES offers a comprehensive rating system designed to distinguish sustainable landscapes. Similar to LEED rating systems, a key element of the SITES system is tracking measurable performance criteria so projects can be compared to benchmarks that truly show how the certified landscape goes above and beyond conventional landscapes. What distinguishes SITES from the LEED programs is the specific focus on landscape. In particular, the ecosystem services provided by landscapes are at the heart of the certification. These ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, climate regulation, etc. directly and indirectly impact human well-being and are often overlooked in conventional development.

SITES offers a comprehensive rating system designed to distinguish sustainable landscapes. Similar to LEED rating systems, a key element of the SITES system is tracking measurable performance criteria so projects can be compared to benchmarks that truly show how the certified landscape goes above and beyond conventional landscapes. What distinguishes SITES from the LEED programs is the specific focus on landscape. In particular, the ecosystem services provided by landscapes are at the heart of the certification. These ecosystem services, such as stormwater management, climate regulation, etc. directly and indirectly impact human well-being and are often overlooked in conventional development.

Aaron and dwg. are both excited to bring this SITES expertise to future projects as leaders in developing more resilient landscapes. Mr. Odland’s passion for sustainable development originally led him to get certified as a LEED BD+C professional before SITES existed. This interest in resiliency in landscape also led him to recently join the board of the Austin urban forestry non-profit, TreeFolks. He hopes that the knowledge that he has gained in all these endeavors will help him better collaborate on designs that benefit both the needs of clients and the environment.